Looking for some fun things to do in Big Bear with kids? You’ve come to the right place! Big Bear is an excellent place for family vacations. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. From hiking and biking to fishing and swimming, there is something for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of 25 fun things to do in Big Bear with kids to help you plan your trip.
Fun Things to Do in Big Bear with Kids
Big Bear is a popular tourist destination in the San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California, known for its year-round mild weather and stunning scenery. The area offers something for everyone, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and fishing in the summer. Temperatures in Big Bear rarely exceed 80 degrees, making it an excellent destination for families with young children. In the winter, temperatures typically range from 20-30 degrees. Big Bear is home to two ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, which offer a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Anyone arriving at Big Bear Lake, California, should stop at the Big Bear Discovery Center. The center offers beautiful views and plenty of information about the area. This is one of the best places to start your Big Bear experience.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo (formally Moonridge Animal Park) is a zoo located in Big Bear, California. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility that provides injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals with a safe haven for the time being while they mend or permanently if they cannot survive on their own.
42801 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Solar Observatory
The Big Bear Solar Observatory is a solar observatory located in Big Bear City, California. Tours are small and limited to 15 people due to the number of docent volunteers and the observatory size. Please be aware that there is a 1000′ gravel road that attendees must walk down and back up, as well as three flights of stairs to access the telescope.
40386 North Shore Lane, Big Bear City, CA 92314
Big Bear Lake Village
Big Bear Village is a great place to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from. The picturesque City of Big Bear Lake lies nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and boasts a lovely shopping and entertainment district on the lake. With over 120 local vendors, the Village may fulfill all of your shopping needs in one visit!
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is the perfect place for all your water recreation needs. This is the place to be if you want to cool off on a hot day! There’s something for everyone, with options like fishing, paddle sports, boating, wakeboarding, inner tubing, and jet skiing. And with the marina open spring through fall, you can enjoy the lake to its fullest potential.
Crestline Summer Trolley
The Big Bear Trolley is a great way to see Big Bear. It’s an open-air trolley that takes you around the village and to some popular attractions. The Free Crestline Summer Trolley operates from May 27th to October 2nd on the weekends and holidays, taking riders to Skypark, Skyforest, down into Crestline, and up Lake Drive to Top Town.
Big Bear Snow Play & Ropes Course
Big Bear Snow Play is an area where you can sled, build snowmen, go snow tubing, and have snowball fights. It’s located near Big Bear Lake and is open during winter. Visiting in the summer? Check out the multi-level ropes course and zipline for an exciting adventure. Big Bear Snow Play offers world-class, year-round recreation with activities including go-karts and more.
42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Related: Best Places For Snow Near Los Angeles
Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Gold Rush Mining Adventures is a great place to go if you want to learn more about Big Bear’s history. You can pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, and see some historic buildings. Other activities include excavating fossils, gathering pearls from oysters, and looking for gems, minerals, and crystals in the Cosmic Galaxy Cave.
40016 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Trails
There are plenty of trails to explore in Big Bear. Whether you want to go hiking, biking, or horseback riding, there is a trail for you. There are also some great views of the mountains and lakes.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Come and visit the home of the world-famous Alpine Slide! They offer family fun activities all year round, including a fantastic water slide in the summer and plenty of snow play in the winter.
The Alpine Slide is a toboggan-style slide that goes down the side of a mountain. It’s located at Snow Summit and is open during the summer months.
800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Zip Line
The Soaring Eagle Zip Line is an excellent activity for thrill seekers. You can zip line through the trees and check out great views of Big Bear. This is a fun activity for kids and adults alike!
Requirements: Ages: 8 years & older , Weight: 65-250 lbs, Height: 6’6″ & under
40957 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Snow Play – Big Bear Speedway & Ropes Course
The Big Bear Snow Play is another great place to go for a fun experience the whole family will enjoy. You can race around the track in go-karts or test your skills on the ropes course.
42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is a great place to see some wildlife and learn more about local animals. You can see birds, turtles, and other animals in their natural habitat.
42300 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314
Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary
The Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit if you love animals. Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary is a safe haven rehabilitation center for farm animals that have been victims of abuse or neglect, are abandoned, or are at risk. They provide them with love and care so they can live their lives peacefully. You can meet the animals and learn about the sanctuary’s work, but advance reservations are required.
47022 Lakeview Road, Big Bear City, California 92314
Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat
The Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat is the perfect way to experience Big Bear Lake from the water. It is conveniently located “Where the Village Meets the Lake” on Pine Knot Avenue in Pine Knot Marina. You can sit back and relax while the boat takes you around the lake. This is an excellent activity for all ages.
439 Pine Knot Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Hollywood Studios at Santa Land
The Hollywood Studios at Santa Land is a great place to go if you want to see some movie sets. The attractions include photo ops, Dino races, and video games. Come see your favorite movie stars, like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Darth Vader, Jack Sparrow, Batman, Harry Potter, and many more, at Hollywood Studios.
40729 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
At the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum, visitors learn about the history of Big Bear. You can explore exhibits on the early days of Big Bear, the logging industry, and more.
800-B Greenway Dr., Big Bear City, CA 92314
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
Enjoy a good brew? The Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is a great place to go if you love beer. You can tour the brewery and taste some of its delicious beers. The Brewery is kid-friendly and also has a restaurant.
40827 Stone Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
The Bowling Barn
The Bowling Barn is a fun place to visit for a family night out, especially when the nightly glow lights kick in. You can also play arcade games and enjoy a bite from the grill.
40625 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Horseback Riding at Baldwin Lake Stables
Horseback riding is a unique way to explore Big Bear. You can go on a trail ride and see the sights of the mountain community. Explore a broad range of terrains on several paths, many of which provide breathtaking views. These rides, accessible all day, are catered to the rider’s experience. Reservations are advised.
